India’s general elections are not only fascinating and consequential in their own right; they are also an important indicator of democracy’s global health. This campaign season party competition is intense and public advocacy full-throated; Indian democracy is in vigorous condition. Yet, trends such as economic inequality, rampant corruption, and social violence raise concerns about the direction in which politics may be heading. Join us for a roundtable on the significance of India’s elections – in which, to put things in perspective, newly eligible voters (those who turned 18 since India’s last election in 2009) exceed the entire voting electorate in the 2012 US presidential election.
Discussion areas:
Speakers:
Atul Kohli David K. E. Bruce Professor of International Affairs, Princeton University
Sanjay Ruparelia Assistant Professor of Politics and Fellow of the India China Institute, The New School
Milan Vaishnav Associate, South Asia Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Rob Jenkins Professor, Department of Political Science, Hunter College